STORIES FROM THE WEB

2008-09 NHL Fantasy Duds

Total Pro Sports – Yesterday were the 2008-09 NHL Fantasy Studs, now today it’s time for the Duds. Players who had high, moderately high or just average expectations but were unable to live up to them in the 2008-09 NHL season.

RW – Jonathan Cheechoo – San Jose Sharks: Can officially be called Mr.Disappointment after having back-to-back terrible seasons despite the success of the San Jose Sharks. In 66 games this year Cheechoo scored 12 goals and had 17 assists for a measley 29 points with only 9 of those points coming on the power play. Jonathan also registered 59 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of minus-3, 152 shots on goal and 4 game winning goals.

C – Peter Mueller – Phoenix Coyotes: After a great rookie season in 2007-08 where he recorded 54 points, Peter Mueller had high expectations heading into the 2008-09 season and was going to play a key part in the Coyotes offence. That didn’t happen. In 72 games this year Mueller scored 13 goals and had 23 assists for 36 points with only 11 of those points coming on the power play. Peter also registered 24 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of minus-7, 138 shots on goal and 4 game winning goals.

LW – Christopher Higgins – Montreal Canadiens: After a solid 2007-08 campaign in which he posted 52 points in 82 games and looked like a promising top 6 forward, Christopher Higgins had a very disappointing 2008-09 season. In 57 games this year Higgins scored 12 goals and had 11 assists for just 23 points with 4 of those points coming on the power play. Chris also registered 22 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of minus-1, 151 shots on goal and one game winning goal.

C – Andrew Cogliano – Edmonton Oilers: Just like Peter Mueller, Andrew Cogliano had a very good rookie season posting 45 points in 82 games. This year however he failed to improve on those stats. In 82 games this year Cogliano scored 18 goals and added 20 assists for 38 points with only 9 points coming while on the power play. Andrew also registered 22 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of minus-6, just 116 shots on goal and 4 game winning goals.

LW – Darcy Tucker – Colorado Avalanche: Darcy Tucker’s stats have been on the decline since the 2005-06 season and this year they took a big nose dive. In 63 games this year Tucker scored just 8 goals and only had 8 assists for a total of 16 points with 5 of those points coming on the power play, yikes! Darcy also registered 67 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of minus-13, 94 shots on goal and one game winning goal.

D – Wade Redden – New York Rangers: Ever since the Ottawa Senators decided to take Wade Redden over Zdeno Chara, Redden has struggled and this year was no exception. In 81 games this year Redden scored just 3 goals and had 23 assists for 26 points with 8 of those points coming on the power play. Wade also registered 51 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of minus-5, 161 shots on goal and zero game winning goals.

D – Derek Morris – Phoenix Coyotes/New York Rangers: Besides recording 48 points in the 2002-03 season, Derek Morris hasn’t lived up to the expectations of him after being drafted 13th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 1996 Entry Draft. In 75 games with both the Phoenix Coyotes and New York Rangers this year Morris scored 5 goals and had 15 assists for 20 points with just 5 of those points coming on the power play. Derek also registered 40 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of minus-10, 120 shots on goal and zero game winning goals.

D – Andrej Meszaros – Tampa Bay Lightning: After some solid seasons in Ottawa, Andrej Meszaros was projected to be Tampa Bay’s #1 d-man and put up some good points while anchoring the Lightning’s power play. That didn’t happen. In 52 games this year Meszaros scored 2 goals and had 14 assists for 16 points with 5 of those points coming on the power play. Andrej also registered 36 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of minus-4, 87 shots on goal and one game winning goal.

G – Jean-Sebastien Giguere – Anaheim Ducks: Since the lockout Jean-Sebastien Giguere has been one of the more consistent goaltenders in the league. However he got off to a bad start this season and wasn’t able to turn things around. In 46 games this year Giguere recorded 19 wins while posting a 3.10 GAA, .900 SAV% and just 2 shutouts. At his age it’ll be interesting to see if he can make an Ed Belfour-like comeback next season. If he does, expect it to be with another team as the strong play of Jonas Hiller will most likely have the Ducks trading Giguere in the offseason.

G – Chris Osgood – Detroit Red Wings: After replacing Dominik Hasek in the playoffs and helping the Red Wings win the Cup last year many expected big things from Chris Osgood this season. Unfortunately he disappointed. In 46 games this year Osgood recorded 26 wins while posting a 3.09 GAA, .887 SAV% and only 2 shutouts. If Chris has another solid playoff run with Detroit one would think that his numbers will improve next season. Time will tell, although if Osgood ends up winning another Cup don’t be surprised to see him retire.